International Yuvraj Walmki was on song and showed excellent finishing touches to smash in all the four goals in leading UK United to a fighting 4-3 win against Orlem Vikings in a league match of the inaugural MRHL (Mumbai Rink Hockey League), played under floodlights at the Malad Gymkhana on Tuesday night.
Jayesh Jadhav, Tyrone D’Souza and Hement Gethe scored a goal each for the Orlem side. Yuvraj was later adjudged ‘Man-of-the-match.
Noted songwriter and Bollywood playback singer, Caralisa Monteiro, who sang the National Anthem during the opening ceremony greets the players before the start of the match.
The opening match witnessed a thrilling and fast-paced contest between Poisar Pirates and Wadala Wanderers before the former managed to win by a narrow 7-6 margin. With the scores level at 6-all and minutes ticking away Poisar skipper Pimpale struck a crucial decisive seventh and his fourth goal of the match to snatch a win for his team. Pimpale was well supported by Rajat S. who netted a brace and Devender K one, to seal the win. For the Wadala side, Victo Singh hit the target twice, while Amit Gowda, Vikram Yadav and Boon D’Souza struck one apiece.
In another match, Mumbai Phantoms riding on Leonard Pereira’s double strikes overcame Jabaaz Almeidians 4-3. Vikas Pillay and Savio Nayak got the other two goals for the winners while Kishore Kumar scored all the three goals for the losing side.
Results: Mumbai Phantoms 4 (Leonard Pereira 2, Vikas Pillay, Savio Nayak) bt Jabazz Almedians 3 (Kishore Kumar 3). Man-of-the-match: Kishore Kumar.
UK United 4 (Yuvraj Valmiki 4) bt Orlem Vikings 3 (Jayesh Jadhav, Tyrone D’Souza, Hement Gethe). Man-of-the-match: Yuvraj Valmiki.
Poisar Pirates 7 (Girish Pimpale 4, Rajat S. 2, Devender K.) bt Wadala Wanderers 6 (Victo Singh 2, Amit Gowda, Vikram Yadav, Boon D’Souza). Man-of-the-match: Girish Pimpale.